At what age do you peak?

Scally the Wag · April 25, 2006

Was somewhat stunned by a friend recently when he declined to read a book on the basis that, 'it was long past the days when [he] could concentrate on something quite that long...'

Said friend being same one who, on moving here twenty years ago, brought a personal library of over 5,000 books. He had no money as such at that time and had wall to wall, floor to ceiling bookshelves in his cramped apartment. Books going yellow in the damp air too. It was a decent collection and contained many substantial works. Somewhere along the line he lost the genie though.

He reached his peak at about 25!

For me, there have been changes in direction but my reading, for example, is heavier now than at any time in my life. Memory is going, but not the appetite to read and explore. I don't feel as if I'm on the way down.

Same with the writing. Did stuff early but upped the output massively when it became clear that this was my way to secure a decent life for my family. Still write quite freely and, to be honest, easily. I don't find that I have slowed up in any way.

Is this slowing down thing a mindset or do we really slide that quickly?

I'd be interested in any personal observations along these lines, including playing music (on instruments, not an mp3), debating at meetings, playing chess, poker etc... Whatever really.

Michael · April 26, 2006

This post is not viewable to guests.